regulate

American  

[reg-yuh-leyt] / ˈrɛg yəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object)

regulated, regulating

1. to control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc..

   The statute is intended to regulate the business practices of architects by establishing a code of professional conduct.

   Synonyms:

   dispose, arrange, adjust, order, conduct, manage, govern, rule

2. to adjust to some standard or requirement, as amount, degree, etc..

   A film was applied to the windows to help regulate the temperature and reduce glare.

   Synonyms:

   set

3. to adjust so as to ensure accuracy of operation.

   If the watch is consistently off, it can be fixed relatively simply by regulating the beat rate.

4. to put or keep something in good order or within reasonable limits.

   Playful interactions with adult caregivers help children develop the ability to regulate their emotions and behavior.

   Synonyms:

   balance

5. Biology. to adjust or adapt (a bodily process or function) in response to external stimuli.

6. Genetics. to control the expression of (a gene or genes).

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regulate British  

/ ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to adjust (the amount of heat, sound, etc, of something) as required; control

2. to adjust (an instrument or appliance) so that it operates correctly

3. to bring into conformity with a rule, principle, or usage

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Other Word Forms

• misregulate verb (used with object)
• nonregulated adjective
• nonregulative adjective
• overregulate verb
• preregulate verb (used with object)
• quasi-regulated adjective
• regulative adjective
• regulatively adverb
• regulatory adjective
• reregulate verb (used with object)
• unregulated adjective
• unregulative adjective
• well-regulated adjective

Etymology

Origin of regulate

First recorded in 1620–30, from Late Latin rēgulātus (past participle of rēgulāre “to direct”); see regula, -ate ¹

Explanation

The on-off spigot regulates the flow of water into your bathtub. When a government regulates an industry, they set standards the industry must follow. To regulate means to impose control. Regulate shares a root with the word, regular. When the transit authority regulates a train schedule, it makes sure trains arrive on a more regular schedule. The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated –– before a drug can be marketed, it must be tested. On a more personal level, if you want to regulate your digestive system, try eating more fiber... or prunes!

Example Sentences

Literally no country has less trust in its leaders to regulate A.I. effectively than we do.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2026

The English Devolution Bill, which is currently going through parliament, will give Transport for London the powers to regulate and license dockless e-bikes.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

One of GLP-1's key roles is slowing gastric emptying, which helps regulate blood sugar and contributes to weight loss.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

You also shouldn’t be signing any trade rules that affect AI until we have a sense of how we’re going to regulate it.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle and may regulate a thousand celestial observations that require only this voyage to render their seeming eccentricities consistent for ever.

From "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

Related Words

• adjust
• administer
• balance
• classify
• conduct
• control
• coordinate
• determine
• govern
• handle
• improve
• monitor
• oversee
• readjust
• rectify
• standardize
• supervise